Dearth of supply chain specialists

There is a shortage of professionals in supply chain management (SCM) in the country, because opportunities available to study SCM functions are very limited.

Newly elected Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) President Danesha Perera addressing members at their Annual General Meeting said it is necessary to focus on and introduce study programs on ISMM at the university level.

He said he is hoping to concentrate on the training and development of the SCM professionals in the coming year while having extensive study programs, training sessions, seminars, consultancies and CPD programs. He said the study programs conducted by ISMM give the opportunity to students to develop their career in supply chain management.

Perera said although students at ISMM have been given the best facilities ISMM can afford it is difficult for a non-profit making institute to serve the whole country without Government support.

He said he hopes to have its own premises to conduct study programs and training sessions in the future and have close cooperation and coordination with the government authorities to develop the profession.

According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka statistics it shows that there is only a very marginal increase of professionals in the public sector from 2007 to 2009. Therefore it is vital and important to focus on the key functions and train recruits to become suitable professionals.

ISMM is conducting Modular Learning System (MLS) in International Purchasing Supply Management (IPSM) in collaboration with International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva.

A team from ISMM will be visiting Malayasia under the leadership of Danesha Perera to participate in around table Conference from April 6 to 8.ption.

RK